View source for Ease of Operation Score/en

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The {{pll|Vehicle Catalog Overview|vehicle catalog}} ease of operation score serves to provide a rough look at how complex a {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|vehicle}} type is to learn and operate.

==== Learning Simplicity ====

This score is based on how easy it is to learn to safely operate the vehicle. Some vehicles are rather intuitive and forgiving to use. Others may require extensive reading of the manual to understand, or running the quick tutorial multiple times to memorize. With those, making a mistake at some point is bound to happen.

==== Brake Operation ====

This score is based on how easy it is to safely operate the vehicle’s {{pll|Braking Overview|brakes}}. Complications may arise from the type of {{pll|Lapping|air brake control valve}} used, impacting the intuitiveness and involvement with the controls, but also from the amount and positioning of the various brake types and controls. Another factor is the likelihood to make a human error, such as forgetting to enable the {{pll|Compressor|air compressor}} on a {{pll|Steam Overview|steam engine}}.

==== Warning Systems ====

This score is based on the availability of warnings about {{pll|Powertrain Overheating|exceeding margins of safe operation}}, or running out of resources. Some vehicles are equipped with flashing lights, audible buzzers and even active failure prevention systems, while others have none and rely solely on meticulous instrument monitoring.

==== Misuse Forgiveness ====

This score is based on how forgiving the vehicle is to human error. Some vehicles are built in a way that faulty operation is almost impossible to occur, while there are others where forgetting to check an instrument may result in {{pll|Damage Overview|total destruction}} of the vehicle.

==== Remote Connectivity ====

This score is based on availability of external control interfaces, namely the support for {{pll|Multiple-Unit|multiple-unit connection}} and {{pll|Remote Controller|remote controllers}}. These methods of vehicle operation can contribute to drastic time saving and safety improvements in certain situations.

==== Controls Layout ====

This score is based on how ergonomic and accessible the vehicle’s controls are to the driver. While some vehicles may have everything comfortably in reach, suitable for a sitting position, others may block the view, require turning around, walking around the {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|cab}}, or even going outside of the vehicle to operate it.

==== Item Storage ====

This score is based on how easy it is to store paperwork and other {{pll|Items Overview|items}} while operating the vehicle, based on the availability of desks, holders and other clear flat surfaces.

==== Reversing Comfort ====

This score is based on how easy it is to drive the vehicle in {{pll|Reverser|reverse}}, but also to turn it around. Vehicles with double-cabs are easy to change direction of movement, while others may be better suited for traveling in a particular direction when it comes to visibility. Some may not even be able to fit a {{pll|Turntable|turntable}} and require a {{pll|Railway Terminology|wye}} to turn around.

==== Lighting Operation ====

This score is based on how easy it is to set up {{pll|Headlights & Cab Lights
|lights}} on the vehicle, including headlights, taillights, cab and gauge lights. Some vehicles may have multi-function switches that do half the work automatically, whereas others may involve handling numerous switches with unintuitive combinations, or be as tedious as to require external valve operation, and even manual {{pll|EOT Lantern|EOT lantern}} installation.

==== Sound Comfort ====

This score is based on how tolerable the running vehicle is to the driver’s ear. Almost no motorized rail vehicle is truly quiet, but with good isolation and a smooth hum one will be less straining to the ear than a loud banging workhorse with no windows to close.

Other scores:
* {{pll|Maintenance Score|Maintenance Score}}
* {{pll|Hauling Score|Hauling Score}}
* {{pll|Shunting Score|Shunting Score}}


[[Category:Vehicle Catalog Scoring System|1]]